Illinois State Police working out of Springfield had issued two warnings and one ticket as of Friday to motorists who were violating the state’s new hands-free cellphone rule.

Capt. Scott Compton, who is in charge of the ISP’s District 9 office, said that since the law went into in effect Wednesday, troopers have been keeping an eye out for drivers who are chatting on their phones without a hands-free device.

“If they see a violation, they are most likely going to pull the driver over unless they are on their way to another call,” Compton said.

The new law bans drivers from using a mobile phone or other device unless they use hands-free technology to conduct a conversation. A driver is allowed by law, however, to press a single button on a phone to begin and end a conversation.

The law also includes exceptions to the ban in an emergency, or if a driver is parked on the shoulder.

Springfield-area troopers might have issued more cellphone-related tickets if it hadn’t been for the recent snowfall in the Springfield area.

“We’ve been very busy with crashes and people sliding into ditches,” Compton said.

As of Friday, Springfield police and Sangamon County deputies had not issued any citations to people for violating the new cell phone law.

Undersheriff Jack Campbell said his deputies are initially giving out warnings so that people can get used to the new law.

Ticketed violators face fines starting at $75, and repeat offenders could get their license suspended.